Energy drinks are soft drinks advertised as boosting energy. These drinks usually do not emphasize energy derived from the sugars they contain,but rather through a choice of stimulants, vitamins, and herbal supplements the manufacturer has combined.
Raw materials:Generally, energy drinks include methylxanthines (including caffeine), vitamin B and herbs. Other common ingredients are guarana, acai, and taurine, plus various forms of ginseng, maltodextrin, carbonated water, inositol, carnitine, creatine, glucuronolactone and ginkgo biloba. Some contain high levels of sugar, and many brands also offer artificially-sweetened 'diet' versions. The central ingredient in most energy drinks is caffeine, the same stimulant found in coffee or tea, often in the form of guarana or yerba mate.
Nutritional value:
Uses:A variety of physiological and psychological effects have been attributed to energy drinks and their ingredients. Two studies reported significant improvements in mental and cognitive performances as well as increased subjective alertness. Excess consumption of energy drinks may induce mild to moderate euphoria primarily caused by stimulant properties of caffeine and may also induce agitation, anxiety, irritability and insomnia.During repeated cycling tests in young healthy adults an energy drink significantly increased upper body muscle endurance.It has been suggested that reversal of caffeine withdrawal is a major component of the effects of caffeine on mood and performance. |